S&W's with W. German Proofs. Whats the story?

Peter J.

Peter J.

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Anybody remember these? Back around 1983-1984 there was a half-page ad in SHOTGUN News from the old class 3 dealer/importer "Armex" in Sacramento, Calif. that said "They Sent the Ship Back!". Apparently Armex got to broker a bunch of S&W's that were intended for sale in West Germany, but for political reasons (gun regulations) these revolvers were being prohibited for sale and sent back here. I heard a rumor from somebody that these guns were supposed to be for sale to G.I.'s at military Rod and Gun clubs, but because some guys running the clubs were caught selling American made pistols to their German civilian buddies "under the table", the W. German government put an end to selling of firearms at the US military gun clubs. I had a FFL license at that time, and ordered a new M-25 in .45 LC for a local cop buddy. It for sure had several West German Proof marks on it. There must have been enough S&W's in this batch to afford to pay for a large Shotgun News ad, so there must be a good amount of these around, but don't remember seeing any for sale since then. Does anybody have pictures, or know the more about the reason for the return of these guns?
 
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Anybody remember these? Back around 1983-1984 there was a half-page ad in SHOTGUN News from the old class 3 dealer/importer "Armex" in Sacramento, Calif. that said "They Sent the Ship Back!". Apparently Armex got to broker a bunch of S&W's that were intended for sale in West Germany, but for political reasons (gun regulations) these revolvers were being prohibited for sale and sent back here. I heard a rumor from somebody that these guns were supposed to be for sale to G.I.'s at military Rod and Gun clubs, but because some guys running the clubs were caught selling American made pistols to their German civilian buddies "under the table", the W. German government put an end to selling of firearms at the US military gun clubs. I had a FFL license at that time, and ordered a new M-25 in .45 LC for a local cop buddy. It for sure had several West German Proof marks on it. There must have been enough S&W's in this batch to afford to pay for a large Shotgun News ad, so there must be a good amount of these around, but don't remember seeing any for sale since then. Does anybody have pictures, or know the more about the reason for the return of these guns?
 
During the 70s I purchased several S&W revolvers from army rod and gun clubs in USAREUR. These weapons had no German proofs and were identical to S&Ws being sold in the states.
 
Rod & Gun Clubs in Germany are still selling to US Servicemembers. Since 01 Jan 2001, a major revision to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) requires US military members to abide by German licensing/training laws. This means that the servicemember must take a training course and procure either a license for Hunting or "Target" Shooting. After receipt of their German license, the potential buyer may purchase/order firearms through their local Rod & Gun Club. More importantly, they can purchase firearms at any German gunshop. German gunshops sell lots of Smith & Wessons to German gunowners (and have for years). All imported firearms (such as Smiths) are required by German Federal law to be proofed (tested) and stamped prior to being offered for retail sale. It's a Tuetonic bureaucratic requirement, but actually no different than an UnderWriters Lab(UL) sticker placed on appliances in the USA.

Thus...We have periodic stateside resales of firearms purchased by servicmembers during their duty assignment to Germany. Several of my weapons (purchased while in Germany) have such proof marks.
 
It is also possible that WISCHO or some other German wholesaler couldn't sell the guns or was overstockd, and sold the guns to the US company.


T-Star
 
Originally posted by El Biblioitecario:
During the 70s I purchased several S&W revolvers from army rod and gun clubs in USAREUR. These weapons had no German proofs and were identical to S&Ws being sold in the states.
Click to expand...


El Bib-

Where have you been? It's many months since I saw you here.

Welcome back!

T-Star
 
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